FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1930, Page 5

FIRE

COMMERCIAL HOTEL, HAVELOCK

(By Telegraph—Pre« Association)*

BLENHEIM, November f;

A fire early yesterday morning tot° ally destroyed the Commercial Hotel at Havelock, together with the contents,

It was a wooden, two storey building comprising thirty rooms. The fire apparently started in the centre of the house near the foot of the main staircase. The draught carried the flames to the upper storey. ; When the occupants were awakened they found the corridors full of smoke and fire, and were compelled to make a hurried exit through the windows, not having time to save anything. Miss Henderson (waitress) and a little girl, Rona King, had to jump from the second storey windows. Miss Henderson ricked her back and Miss King sustained a sprained -.ankle. A hoarder: named ‘Robert Campbell dashed into a passage, blinded by smoke, and could, not regain his room. After groping through the flames he found his way to the back stairway, gaining the open air with his head, face, neck and arms severely burned. He was Conveyed to Wairau Hospital, Blenheim where he is reported to be progressing favourably. ' ' '

The building was beyond saving, when the brigade was called, but excellent work was performed,' preventing the spread of the flames to the adjacent premises.

The hotel was owned by Brownlea and Company of Wellington and is believed to be insured for £2500 in the Commercial Union.

The licensee, Clarence H. Mills, had tho furniture and contents insured for £6OO iii the Sun Office. The bar stock was covered by £2OO in the North British,

Worms in children are .speedily removed by using Wade’s Worm Figs. Pleasant to take. Absolutely safe.— Advt.